 
Beaches | Fishing | Golf | Tours
Beaches/fishing/surfing/golf/tours along the Bay of Banderas
Nuevo Vallarta
 The Bay of Banderas has an abundance of beautiful beaches
throughout the entire bay. In Nayarit, we first come
across Nuevo Vallarta. One of the widest beaches in
the bay and
probably the longest beach it stretches for nearly
eight miles and is 50-60 feet wide at the widest point.
Its
beach is extensive with golden sand inviting to take
a rest and
to sunbathe while there is a constant breeze, caressing
and refreshing. Nuevo Vallarta is the first of the
series of towns going north from the Ameca River that
borders
the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. It occupies a gentle
plain between two rivers with one of the longest walking
beaches on the entire coast. The size of this beach
makes it ideal for sun bathing and water sports. Bucerias
The name of this town means place of the divers. Among
the longest beaches in the bay it stretches for over
5 miles and its' long shallow shoreline is ideal for
body surfing, boogie boarding, skim boarding and shell
collecting. The beach is lined with numerous restaurants
for your enjoyment, most of which serve fresh seafood
all day long.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle & Destiladeras  These are wide beachs and are popular with surfers
for their 2-5 foot swells. The beach has fine sand
and a
slight slope towards the ocean, offering a smooth surf.
The white sand and transparent water combined with
fabulous views of the entire bay make this beach
a picturesque
location to spend the day in the sun. The beach contains
several natural tide pools rich with life for those
who enjoy observing marine life up close. La Cruz
beach has
fine sand and a slight slope towards the ocean, offering
a smooth surf.
El Anclote
Located just north of Destiladeras, El Anclote’s
mild surf is enjoyed by many. This beach is located in
Punta de Mita at the northernmost tip of the bay. You’ll
find beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean in both directions
and of the Sierra Madre mountains which frame the bay.
The beautiful beach with fine and golden sand, has transparent
warm waters permitting to penetrate the magnificent underwater
world of reefs where you can observe the marine fauna composed
of different species. Water sports of all types are available
here and there are many delicious restaurants along the
beach to choose from.
Sayulita Located just on the other side of the bay is a favorite
among surfers. This laid back surfing community is located
in a cove where the jungle meets the beach. The swift
tides, abundance of sea shells and other treasures as
well as a few beaches hidden between rock formations
filled with marine life make Sayulita a must see for
everyone visiting the Nayarit area.
Each year in December the "Sayulita Surf Classic" is
carried out. The extension of its beach measures approximately
two kilometers by some 30 meters of width, with fine and
golden sand.
San Pancho or San Francisco  This is one of the best surfing locations of the
region due to its giant waves and southwest to
northwest swells.
Its beach has a length of approximately 1.2 kilometers
and 50 meters of width. Its sand is golden and of a
fine texture, ideal for walks and for collecting
diverse types
of small shells. The color of its sea is blue with
a strong surf. If you like to practice surfing,
this is
a place which you absolutely must visit. Navigating
along the coastline by sailboat is another romantic
and exciting
activity to carry out.
It is important to remember that this beach is located
outside the bay, on the open sea; therefore it is suggested
to always take precautions while swimming.
Lo de Marcos
The beach has an extension of one kilometer of length
by 40 meter of width, the texture of the sand is
fine and
the shade of the water is blue and green. The water
temperature is tepid and the surf is soft by the
edge of the pier.
Rincon de Guayabitos
 Guayabitos
has gained the title of "the biggest natural
pool of the world", and with the beach extending approximately
3 kilometers, it is a perfect resort for the whole family.
The calmness of its surf along the major part of its beach
invites you to relax completely while sunbathing and lying
down in its fine sand of golden color. On the beach of
what is considered the hotel zone you cannot avoid to be
influence by the happiness of children playing in the ocean
without any risk. In Guayabitos the beach is also a space
of continuous action. Very early the beach front restaurants
are open, serving the catch of the day and the practice
of water sports is very popular.
La Penita
Its name comes from the Náhuatl word "Xalli-tem-pa",
which means "place at the bank of the sand".
It stands out for its commerce. Its beach is long and perfect
to admire incredible and multi-colored sunsets.
Platanitos
It is located just on the border between the municipality
of Compostela andSan Blas. In order to reach this place
you first must go to the village of Las Varas and from
there take the detour towards Zacualpan-Platanitos-San
Blas, approximately some 35 kilometers from Guayabitos.
 The ocean of its bay is ideal for families and on its
beach there are more than twenty restaurants offering
fresh seafood
dishes. From there you can take a trip to Punta Custodio
where there is a center for the protection of crocodiles.
San Blas
Its littorals of more than
30km are rich in virgin beaches, with an emphasis on
El Rey (the King),
El Borrego (the
lamb), Las Islitas (the small islands), Matanchen,
Aticama, Los Cocos (the coconuts), Miramar y Platanitos
(small
bananas), where it is possible to practice underwater
fishing and
even surfing.
Fishing
Riviera Nayarit Sportfishing Calendar
 The
ocean area around Nayarit and the Bay of Banderas are
fast becoming known for its superb fishing.
Two world record catches have been accomplished
in the
area (blue marlin and wahoo) and more are waiting.
Many deluxe fishing charter vessels are available
for those seeking to spend the day, or several
days, fishing the blue waters of the area for several
species
of ocean fish. The calm, warm waters of the area
beckon fishermen of the world. Available sport
fishing charters can be found in Nuevo Vallarta,
Bucerias,
La Cruz, Punta Mita, Sayulita, San Francisco and
Lo de Marcos. Boats from beach rental pangas to
large fishing cruisers can be rented by the hour,
half-day
to all day. Some charter services offer overnight
charters including all meals and sleeping accommodations.
Typical fish found in these waters are as follows:
| STRIPED MARLIN
The The Striped Marlin is found off Nayarit
from July until November. World record is 339
pounds and is an outstanding fighting fish, normally
released by fishermen. It is a good eating fish. |
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| BLUE MARLIN
The Blue Marlin can be found in the area from
July to April, the best times are September thru
February. Normal size is 150 to 500 pounds, the
world record is 1402 pounds. This is a tremendous
fighting fish which takes hours on specialized
equipment to land. Good eating but commonly released
by fishermen.
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| BLACK MARLIN
The Black Marlin is found in the area from
July to February. The Black is the largest of
the marlin family; the world record currently
stands at a whopping 1560 pounds! This fish is
highly prized by sport fishermen but its declining
numbers are resulting in a catch-and-release
policy by true sportsmen.
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| SAILFISH
Sailfish are found closer to shore than the
other billfish and are occasionally caught within
the Bay of Banderas. This is an excellent fighting
fish which is unsurpassed for its size in strength
and spectacular leaps and runs. An excellent
eating fish and ranges from 50 to 100 pounds
normally. The world record is 221 pounds.
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| YELLOWFIN TUNA
Several species of tuna can be found in Mexican
waters but the favorite is the Yellowfin tuna.
Also known as Ahi, this spectacular fighting
fish is a favorite of fishermen and can be found
served fresh at many local restaurants. It is
one of the finest eating fares available. Yellowfin
tuna range from a few pounds to almost 400 pounds.
World record is 388 pounds. Special heavy-duty
equipment is a must for these powerful brutes.
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| PARGO
The Mexican Pargo is also known as Red Snapper.
An excellent eating fish, it ranges from a few
pounds to 40 pounds in this area. The world record
is 50 pounds. Drifting and bait fishing are the
most productive ways to catch these beautiful
fish.
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| ROOSTERFISH
This furious fighting fish gives the fisherman
a tremendous fight. It has terrific stamina,
slashing moves, screaming runs and jumps. It
is not a particularly good eating fish and is
normally released. Normally found in the 10 to
30 pound range, but can be found up to 100 pounds
in these waters. World record is 114 pounds.
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| SIERRA
An outstanding fighter, this beautiful fish
is a great light tackle sport fish. Excellent
eating, it is common at 1 to 3 pounds but can
be found over 10 pounds. World record is 13 pounds.
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| SNAPPER
Another of the snapper family, the blackspot
snapper is normally found in 200 foot depths.
An excellent eating fish, it ranges from 3 to
6 pounds, the world record is 7 pounds.
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| WAHOO
This tremendous fighter lives up to its name
in fight and beauty. Related to the barracuda,
this slim fish is best known for its frightening
array of razor sharp teeth. Common at 10 to 50
pounds, it can reach over 200 pounds. World record
stands at 158 pounds, the Bay of Banderas gave
up a 221 pounder in 2004 but didn't qualify from
record status due to the manner in which it was
caught. Excellent eating fish.
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| DORADO
The dorado, also known as a mahi-mahi or dolphin,
is prolific in Mexican waters. It is the fastest
growing of all ocean fish, it reaches the world
record weight of 87 pounds. 20 to 40 pounders
are frequently caught around Nayarit waters.
One of the best eating fish found in the ocean,
it is also one of the most beautiful with brilliant
blues, greens and yellow markings. Strong and
acrobatic, this fighter is highly sought after
and caught regularly September thru April.
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| AMBERJACK
The amberjack is also known as the Coronado.
This excellent eating fish can be frequently
caught at 5 to 20 pounds, the world record is
142 pounds. A tremendous fighting fish, it is
best caught with live bait by drifting. Heavy
tackle is a must.
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| GROUPER
Commonly found in the 50 pound range, this
fighter has been caught up to 114 pounds. Usually
caught over reefs and wrecks, it can also be
caught by trolling. Season ranges from May to
September. Warm weather drives them deeper.
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| CREVALLE JACK
The crevalle jack is a commonly caught sport
fish in these waters. Normal range is 1 to 10
pounds but frequently caught in the 20 pound
range. World record is 57 pounds. Poor eating
but a favorite due to its enormous fight and
pulling power. Frequently caught on light tackle.
Can be found here most of the year.
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Riviera Nayarit Sportfishing Calendar
Golf in Nayarit
 Today Nayarit and the surrounding areas boast 7 world
class golf courses within 45 minutes drive of the
Puerto Vallarta International Airport. and 3 more
outstanding golf courses are in the planning stages.
Nayarit is well known as
a Mexico major golf spot and has earned recognition
as a world class golf
destination.
Blending of championship golf with the incredible
backdrop of tropical forests, mountains, and
breathtaking views
of Banderas Bay creates a powerful and heady mix.
Golf courses enviable in any part of the world.
Jack Nicklaus,
Tom Weiskopf and Robert von Hagge have designed
golf courses that would combine all the best features
that came naturally to Vallarta-Nayarit.
 The
general public is welcome at the Marina
Vallarta Golf Club (18 holes championship
course par 71 designed by Joe Fingers), Vista
Vallarta Club de Golf [36
holes championship courses. One par 72 designed
by Jack Nicklaus,
and another one par 72 designed by Tom Weiskopf], Flamingos
Golf Club (18 holes championship course
par 72, designed
by Percy Clifford) El
Tigre Club de Golf [18 holes
championship course par 72 designed by Vov Hagge],
Mayan
Palace Country Club [18 holes championship
course par 71, designed by Jim Lipe], and The
Four Seasons Punta Mita (18 holes championship course par 72, designed
by Jack Nicklaus). All seven courses are surrounded
by tropical
greenery and the tranquil beauty of Banderas Bay.
Two more golf courses are expected to open at the
end of
2006.
Nayarit Tours
 There is a wide variety of land and sea tours to
enjoy. You may find yourself on a tropical jungle expedition
learning about the flora and fauna indigenous to the
area or zipping through the jungle on cables suspended
hundreds of feet above the ground.
There are tours to nearby towns where you can get a taste of Mexican culture,
learn about the areas history, and the traditions that drive the daily lives
of those who have lived there for generations. If the ocean and marine life
is what you fancy, then Nayarit has more than it's share of activities to offer.
There are many beautiful locations throughout the bay that are perfect for
snorkeling and scuba diving. Fishing is a very popular activity in the bay
and you can find a seemingly endless supply of charter boats to take deep sea
fishing. The "Bahia de  Banderas" is also a breeding ground for many
creatures of the sea kingdom. During winter and spring there are numerous whale
watching tours where you will see humpback whales and dolphins that have migrated
to the bay in order to reproduce.
During the summer and fall months there are
several programs aimed at protecting the endangered sea tortoises that use
the shores of Nayarit as their nesting grounds. This endless list of activities,
the friendly people, the warm, family oriented culture, and the world class
facilities of Nayarit all combine to provide an unforgettable vacation experience
that you will not want to end.
To book your tour, click on the links below. This way, when you arrive all
your adventures will be set for you to enjoy with no surprises. Please note
that most people in Nayarit go by Puerto Vallarta time, there is an hour difference.
If it is 10:00 am in Nayarit, it is 11:00 am in Puerto Vallarta. If you have
made reservations make sure you know which time they have been made under.
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Las
Caletas
